Drowned teen's bravery honoured

Zebedee Pua helped another swimmer before he was carried away by the sea at O'Neill Bay. Photo / Supplied

The brother of a 15-year-old boy who drowned while rescuing a young girl off Auckland's west coast said he lives in his brother's footsteps.

Teuterome Zebedee Pua jumped into the surf to help 7-year-old Holly Reichs when she got caught in a rip at O'Neill Bay on January 19, 2012.

Holly called out for help and Zebedee and his brother Raymond ran towards her. The current was too strong for Raymond, who turned back, but Zebedee pressed on and when he reached Holly, put her on his back and treaded water to prevent her from drowning.

A posthumous bravery award ceremony, held for Zebedee at Government House in Auckland today, heard that Holly's father then swam out to her and took her ashore, but an exhausted Zebedee slipped under the water.

The promising rugby player's body was found five days later.

The Royal Humane Society of New Zealand's silver medal was presented by the society's patron, Governor-General Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae to Raymond on Zebedee's behalf.